The Team

Empathetic, Passionate Professionals

Every member of our team is educated to the highest standards, with a core ethos of animal care & welfare at their heart. Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our rehabilitation centre. We are proud to have come for a variety of educational backgrounds, combining the best industry-led knowledge to provide your pet with the best in veterinary rehabilitation.

Laura Hackett

Lead Therapist

Laura is the Clinical Lead + Owner of Apollo Animal Physiotherapy, establishing in 2018.

Pursuing an ongoing commitment & dedication to animal health, Laura has built Apollo with an incredible team, alongside her vocations which include her beautiful 2 horses & black Labrador.

During her career Laura has continued with plenty of ongoing training, and has fallen in love with specific aspects of the job, including:

Therapeutic exercise + conditioning
Distal limb injury management
Manual therapies and the impact these have on soft tissues. Most recently completing spinal + limb mobilisation courses over in America.

Her qualifications include:

Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy with the University of Nottingham
Level 4 Advance Aquatic Underwater Treadmill Techniques with K9HS
Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Physiotherapy
Clinical Educators Certificate (Mdx)
Membership Secretary for IRVAP (ICH, IRVAP)
Registered and Regulated by IRVAP

Heidi Ludwig

Veterinary Physiotherapist & Canine Hydrotherapist

Heidi was inspired to study veterinary physiotherapy after seeing her beloved rescue dog Doris suffer with many joint issues. She felt there must have been more that could be done than just medication, and when she found out about physiotherapy she knew this was the job for her!

She studied at Writtle University and was able to help Doris be as comfortable as possible in her final years, and has allowed her to help many other animals since.

She has a special interest in senior dogs, neurological rehabilitation and post-operative physiotherapy, with both of her dissertations exploring the importance of post-op rehabilitation for cruciate ligament surgery.

Her qualifications include:

Masters in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Writtle University College
Level 3 Canine Hydrotherapy with K9HS
Registered and Regulated by IRVAP

Ellie Gray

Veterinary Physiotherapist

Since a young age, Ellie has been surrounded by animals. She grew up with dogs, horses, guinea pigs, tortoises, you name it. She always knew her calling in life was working with animals which led her to a long-term passion of studying animals beginning with a Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management, followed by a BSc in Zoology and then a Master’s degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy.

Her main area of interest is orthopaedic care, particularly stifle and hip conditions. She enjoys helping animals regain mobility and quality of life. Allowing dogs to just be dogs again, and owners to enjoy seeing their dogs happy. She loves meeting all the different dogs at work, their personalities, finding out where their favourite scratchy spot is, and finding out all about their adventures. An important factor about her work is building a relationship with your dog, and you, and working towards your goals.

Ellie is also currently studying for her Level 4 Certificate in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals to continue expanding her knowledge with professional continued development.

Outside of work, she spends most of her time outdoors with her Golden Retriever, Goose. They love to spend their days hiking or swimming at the beach. She also owns three horses – they keep her busy! She competes in dressage and eventing in her free time, although she says she never comes away with any prizes, she loves every moment. Away from all things 4-legged, she loves photography, gym and running, and enjoying live music.

Johanna Thacker

Advanced Hydrotherapist

Jo joined the team in December 2023, completing her Level 3 Hydrotherapy qualification with Animal Courses Direct.

She is also studying to become a Veterinary Physiotherapist, and has a real passion for helping dogs, having volunteered at many animal sanctuaries and rehoming animals.

She has a 3 legged rescue called Stella who she loves dearly.

Restoring mobility, one paw at a time